Montreal Impact deny Nesta rumours as Schallibaum remains at helm

Montreal Impact president Joey Saputo has denied claims that Alessandro Nesta is set to replace Marco Schallibaum as head coach of the MLS club.

Montreal Impact president Joey Saputo has denied claims that Alessandro Nesta is set to replace Marco Schallibaum as head coach of the MLS club.

Recent reports suggested that Italian defender Nesta, who retired at the end of the Impact’s 2013 season, was set to step into the role at the expense of Schallibaum but Saputo rejected those rumours at a press conference on Tuesday.

"We had excellent discussions with Marco (on Monday)," said Saputo. "But we have don't want to make a decision too quickly.

"We will continue to analyse the situation in the coming weeks."

Of the Nesta speculation, he added: "I don't know where that rumour comes from.

"Alessandro has the qualities to eventually be a coach, whether an assistant or a head coach, in this league. But he's barely finished playing.

"He has to go for his coaching license. But I think he does have the potential."